Our Mission The Orange County Bird of Prey Center was formed to: Educate the community about raptors Rehabilitate injured raptors Release recuperated (recovered) raptors back into the wild
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	What are Raptors? Raptors are birds of prey. Owls, eagles, falcons, condors, hawks, ospreys, kites, and vultures are all raptors. Raptors have strong grasping feet with sharp talons for catching and holding prey. Their hooked upper beak tears and kills prey, and their binocular vision allows then depth perception for hunting.
	Our Education Programs: The Center realizes that the long-term solution to preventing many of the injuries seen is through education. Volunteers take birds to schools, Scout meetings, park programs, public television specials, and nature exhibits. The birds used for the educational programs are non-releasable. Back to Top		Our Rehabilitation Programs: Injured and orphaned raptors are brought to the Center by concerned individuals, Federal, State, and County agencies. They are initially examined by a veterinarian and a course of treatment is prescribed. Sometimes x-rays, surgery, and other medical therapy is required. Young birds learn to hunt live food, honing their hunting and flying skills. Releasable birds are then kept in flight cages (mews) to regain the necessary skills and strength for return to the wild. Back to Top
	Our Release Programs: When a bird is ready for release, it is placed in a location similar to its natural habitat. Back to Top
	How to Help:
	If you encounter a raptor that appears to be injured or ill, call us at (949) 837-0756, or contact Animal Control at (714) 935-6848 If handling the bird is necessary, use heavy gloves to avoid injury by its sharp talons and beak. A towel or blanket temporarily placed over the bird may allow easier handling. Grasp the bird on its sides over properly folded wings. The raptor can then be placed in a heavy cardboard box, which should be only slightly larger than the bird itself.		When you find a young bird that you think is abandoned, be certain that it is truly orphaned before removing it from the area. Young birds are often out of their nests a few days before they can fly, being cared for by parents that are nearby, but possibly not visible. The adult birds can do a much better job of raising their young than can humans. You can help the parents by keeping dogs and cats out of the area.
	Always make a record of the time, date, and location of capture. Always refer capture birds to the Center or Animal Control, as it is the legal thing to do. Back to Top
	Our Volunteer Program: The Center relies upon its volunteers to support all of the Center's work. Please contact the volunteer coordinator at (949)837-0786 for more information. Back to Top		Our Donation Program: The Center relies solely on contributions from people like you to continue our work. Contact (949)837-0786 for more information on our speaking engagements and for our wish list of items that we need. Your tax deductible monetary donation can be sent to: OCBPC 23352 El Perro Street Lake Forest, CA 92630 Back to Top
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